Ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff is a top priority for schools across the country. At Putnam City Schools in Oklahoma, Chief of Police Mark Stout has dedicated his career to achieving this goal. With over three decades of experience in law enforcement within the educational setting, Stout has played a pivotal role in shaping the district’s safety and security measures. In this exclusive interview with SVIP, he shares insights into his journey, the challenges of modern school security, and the proactive strategies his team employs to keep students and staff safe.

A Journey into School Law Enforcement

Stout’s path to becoming Chief of Putnam City Schools began with a background in sports medicine. "I commenced my professional journey with the Campus Police in February 1992, following four years in the Sports Medicine field at the University of Oklahoma and an additional two years in the private sector," he recalls. "While I greatly appreciated my experience in sports medicine, my law enforcement background ultimately directed me to the Putnam City Campus Police, where I was presented with an opportunity that I was pleased to accept."

Over the years, Stout took on various roles within the department, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant, where he oversaw officers assigned to schools. His dedication was recognized when he was selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in 1999. "After completing the program, I embraced additional responsibilities within the department, leading to my appointment as Chief in 2004, a role I have maintained to this day."

Commitment to School Safety

Although Stout didn’t initially set out to work in school law enforcement, his experiences quickly showed him the impact he could have on students' lives. "It wasn't until I began my tenure with the Campus Police Department that I realized the positive impact I can have on students' lives, which resonates deeply with me. I genuinely look forward to coming to work every day, even after 32 years in the field."

His role has evolved significantly since joining Putnam City Schools, thanks to guidance from mentors like former Chief Ken McNair. "I was fortunate to have had a wonderful mentor in the former Chief, Ken McNair, who encouraged me to explore additional opportunities within the department. He also nominated me for the FBI National Academy."

Addressing Modern Safety Challenges

In today’s schools, safety concerns are increasingly complex, with social media playing a significant role in incidents of violence and altercations. "As a district, we are observing an increase in violent incidents and altercations, many of which appear to be linked to social media influence," Stout notes. "We are collaborating with the district to address the use of social media during the school day and to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding cell phone usage in schools."

To counter these challenges, the department has introduced several proactive measures. "Enhanced security measures will be implemented, including the installation of additional security cameras, improved access control, and weapon detection systems at all levels. We currently have weapon detection systems in place at all high schools and middle schools, and we plan to install them at all elementary sites this summer."

Balancing Security and a Welcoming Environment

One of the key challenges of school policing is maintaining a secure yet inclusive atmosphere. "We prioritize fostering relationships with all of our students as part of a district-wide initiative. This approach helps students feel more at ease with all adult staff, including our Police Officers and Security Officers," Stout explains. "Additionally, we emphasize the importance of the 'See Something, Say Something' principle, and have incorporated 'Do Something' into our messaging. This strategy has proven to be highly effective for our district."

The Role of Technology in School Security

Technology plays a crucial role in Putnam City Schools' safety strategies. "Our district places a strong emphasis on technology, including within our Campus Police operations," Stout says. "We utilize the GENETEC Security Center as our comprehensive security platform, which encompasses alarms, access control, and surveillance cameras. Additionally, we have implemented 'Opengate' weapon detection systems in all high schools and middle schools."

Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are also being explored. "We continually explore new technologies that can enhance our mission of ensuring student safety. Currently, we are collaborating with several companies to evaluate AI-enabled camera solutions, focusing on weapon and gunshot detection capabilities."

Collaboration with Schools and Law Enforcement

Ensuring school safety is a collective effort that involves administrators, teachers, parents, and law enforcement agencies. "We encourage our Officers to actively participate in the school community and to be accessible to both students and staff. Our goal is for them to play a significant role in the daily operations of the school to which they are assigned, thus becoming essential members of that school environment."

The department also works closely with other law enforcement agencies. "We operate within three additional municipal jurisdictions and maintain close collaboration with each of the respective agencies. The Oklahoma City Police Department has a Rapid Response and Tactical Intelligence Coordination (RRTIC) unit that significantly assists us in managing social media threats and tracking relevant activities."

Preparing for Emergencies

Training is a critical component of school safety. "All schools are mandated to update their Emergency Response Plans annually. These plans undergo thorough review and verification before being shared with relevant agencies," Stout states. "In compliance with state law, all schools are required to conduct drills for lockdowns, intruders, hold in place, fires, and other emergencies. Additionally, we implement extra drills that exceed state requirements."

To ensure officers are well-prepared, they receive extensive training. "All of our officers undergo comprehensive training to serve effectively within our schools. This training encompasses Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), Active Shooter/LASER training, door breaching training, and more."

Success Stories and Future Initiatives

Stout takes pride in the proactive measures his department has taken to prevent potential tragedies. "We successfully intervened when we identified a weapon in the possession of a student who was in distress and contemplating suicide during a pep assembly. This timely intervention not only averted what could have been a tragic situation, potentially resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities, but also ensured that the student received the necessary support and services."

Looking ahead, Stout is excited about upcoming safety initiatives. "The district has successfully passed a new bond issue, of which $3.5 million is allocated specifically for safety and security enhancements. We are excited to upgrade our camera systems and access control mechanisms to incorporate the latest technology available."

Lessons for Other Districts

When asked what advice he would give to other school districts, Stout emphasizes a strategic approach. "The most valuable advice I can offer is to proceed gradually and avoid attempting to implement all changes simultaneously. When we assumed responsibility for the camera and access control systems in our district, we began with a small-scale approach and progressively expanded. It is important to take your time to thoroughly assess and evaluate software options."

Chief Mark Stout continues to make a lasting impact on school safety, ensuring that Putnam City Schools remain a secure and welcoming environment for students and staff alike.

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